Skyline Drive overlooks
Luray, VA
Seventy-five overlooks along the Blue Ridge crest in Shenandoah National Park.
Skyline Drive runs for about 170 km (105 miles) along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park. The road was built in stages between 1931 and 1939; among other work, the Civilian Conservation Corps graded slopes and built stone walls and overlooks. Mileposts run from 0 to 105, north to south, and the highest point, near Skyland, is at about 1,120 m (3,680 feet). At 75 overlooks you can pull over and gaze across the valleys.
Entrances are at Front Royal, Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap and Rockfish Gap. The 56 km/h (35 mph) speed limit is strictly enforced; allow three to four hours for the full length. Deer, black bears and wild turkeys may cross the road without warning. RVs are permitted on the drive. Sections close temporarily in bad weather, and from November to early January the drive also closes at night. In fall, the changing leaves are a big draw.
- Nearest town
- Luray, VA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 38.6500, -78.3200
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
.jpg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Matthews Arm CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Skyline Drive overlooks · 165 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Big Meadows CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Skyline Drive overlooks · 221 pitchesTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Low Water Bridge CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Skyline Drive overlooks · 45 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWi-Fi
- Shenandoah State Park CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Skyline Drive overlooksTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Lewis Mountain CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Skyline Drive overlooks · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover22 mi from Skyline Drive overlooks · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersWi-Fi
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Skyline Drive overlooks?
Skyline Drive overlooks is in Luray, VA, at GPS 38.6500, -78.3200. It is about 20 mi from Front Royal.
Can you camp near Skyline Drive overlooks?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Jellystone Park Luray, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 32 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Skyline Drive overlooks?
Skyline Drive overlooks is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Skyline Drive, Shenandoah and Blue mountains, golden autumn – along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Great Smoky Mountains.
What is there to see near Skyline Drive overlooks?
Places worth a stop nearby: Luray Caverns (9 mi), Big Meadows, Shenandoah (11 mi), James Madison’s Montpelier (31 mi) and Monticello (45 mi).
When is the best time to visit Skyline Drive overlooks?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)